Thrift Stores - Why are they all the rage?

Over the years thrift stores are making an appearance on the global stage. They've not only attracted shoppers but have risen to popularity as favourites.

Ever wondered why? I have. It's not even just a western concept anymore. Did you know that we find them here in India as well? What are thrift stores and what makes them so trendy?

If you're just as curious as I was, you've come to the right place. 

Thrift stores are businesses that generally sell clothing, furniture, and other household items at a discounted price. But here's the catch - these items are second-hand. This is the only stark difference between a retail store and a thrift store, that the items being sold are not brand new. However, this doesn't mean that they aren't in good condition. It's all about keeping your eyes open wide. You're not just looking for something in particular, you're hunting for it. It's the thrill of finding something unexpected that compels people to shop often at thrift stores. It's a fun way to find unique things that you probably won’t find at your regular retail ones.

Thrift stores like I mentioned in my earlier article on Sustainable Fashion, help greatly with the environment and avoid fast fashion. They also allow you to experiment with styles and colours that you might not usually buy.  You get the opportunity to develop your unique sense of style which sometimes the clothing items at your regular retail stores won't let you do. It does require patience, but I can guarantee you that you will find  designer jeans, coats, and exquisite vintage leather bags that will blow your mind.

During this year we have seen a large outburst of Instagram thrift stores here in India that have taken social media by storm. With all things preloved and quirky in their own way, all the items sold by these thrift shops help you to explore and bring uniqueness to your wardrobe. And for the very reason for us to explore our styles and have a unique wardrobe ourselves, I've listed down some of the Indian instagram thrift stores selling have some pieces of clothing that I really loved 

• Bombay Closet Cleanse 

They have a large variety to choose from; they also have 100 percent charity sales where all the profits go to a particular cause. Sustainable clothing, large variety and its vintage! What more could you ask for ?

• Copper Boom Vintage

With their  own aesthetic appeal, Copper Vintage has a wide variety of prints, materials and styles that makes you want to dive right in. 

• Jackfruit.in

A pair of friends Melissa and Samatha who are on a quest to show everyone that there is absolutely no shame in wearing second hand clothing, which is sure to be better for your pockets and the environment.From shoes, to eye-catching dresses,they have it all. And taking it one step further they try to keep their waste to a minimum by shipping their orders in old amazon and nykaa boxes. It's almost as if this store is calling your name!

• The Local Thrift 

This instagram thrift store is bound to make you want to buy something. It has everything ranging from beautiful ikat materials, silk sarees and even lingerie! If you're looking to go the indian way this is the place to look.

If you ask me, I'd thrift from all of them as often as possible. Like I've kept saying throughout, it helps you build and discover your own unique style, at affordable prices all the while helping you minimize waste and give back to the environment. Don't tell me that, that's not a train that you don't want to hop on to. 

Yours, 

Neeve